Apparatus for the safekeeping of jewelry articles

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the field of carrying devices for portable objects, and specifically, to a pouch comprising of a fastening means whereby jewelry is positioned around the fastening means within the pouch so that the jewelry remains secure within the pouch.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the safekeeping of jewelry rings. Specifically, the apparatus comprises of a novel pouch that securely fastens a jewelry ring so that the ring is not displaced within the pouch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/878,370 entitled Apparatus For The Safekeeping of Jewelry Rings filed on Jul. 25, 2019.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Jewelry rings generally comprise of design features that make secure storage difficult. Most notably, the round shape of jewelry rings and the relatively low weight (due to the hollow center) render it more mobile within a storage compartment. Therefore, upon searching for the ring within a storage compartment, such as a pocket or purse, the ring is more likely to roll out and be further displaced. Furthermore, jewelry rings are often narrow in dimensions so they can also be captured in narrow, secluded areas where they may be difficult to retrieve. As an example, if there is a tear in storage unit, the ring can fall within a cavity unknown to the jewelry holder. If the holder must ultimately search for the jewelry ring, the utility of a ring storage device is effectively reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for safely securing a jewelry ring by avoiding the aggravation of further displacing (i.e. losing) the ring.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for the safekeeping of jewelry rings comprises of a pouch with a fastening means. The fastening means is situated on an interior face of the pouch but is able to extend to an exterior face through an opening.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fastening means serves a dual purpose. First, the ring is positioned around the circumference of the fastening means. Second, the fastening means, once fastened, securely holds the ring within the fastening means.

According to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the pouch further comprises of a cover. The cover serves to shield the fastening means once it extends to the exterior face through the opening.

The foregoing summary of the present invention with the preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention. It should be understood and obvious to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention thus described may be further modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Accompanying this written specification is a collection of drawings of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that these are merely exemplary embodiments, and additional and alternative embodiments may exist and still be within the spirit of the invention as described herein.

FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the invention with a cover flap in a “closed” position.

FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the invention with a cover flap in an “open” position with the fastening means extending out to the exterior face.

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of the invention with a cover flap in an “open” position with the fastening means remaining in the interior face.

FIG. 4 is an embodiment of the invention with a cover flap in an “open” position with the fastening means remaining in the interior face and a jewelry ring positioned around the fastening means.

FIG. 5 is a rear-view perspective of the invention with a rear fastening means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the Summary above, the Detailed Description herein, the Claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of the current invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

Since the parts and components of this invention may be double sided, the following nomenclature is used, where specificity is required for ease of understanding: “X”-(ex) refers to an orientation that is externally facing; “X”-(in) refers to an orientation that is internally facing.

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for the safekeeping of jewelry articles, for example, rings and similar items, having at least one hollow circular feature. In some examples, the jewelry articles that may be secured in the device include, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other similar items having at least one hollow circular feature. Specifically, the apparatus comprises of a pouch with an internally situated fastening means around which the jewelry may be positioned. The fastening means may be locked by extending to through an opening onto an exterior face. In this locked position, the jewelry may be firmly secured within the internal body of the pouch and within the fastening means, thereby restricted from displacement. In any embodiment, the fastening means may be utilized to hold or secure one or more jewelry articles to the pouch, and restrict or prevent their displacement.

According to one embodiment of the current invention, the pouch (P) may comprise a front face (A) and a rear face (B). The front and rear face may be irreversibly affixed along the side seams with an opening along a top side (E). In some embodiments, the front face (A) and rear face (B) may be comprised of fabric. The fabric may be folded to create a U-shape, and the sides may be affixed together (either reversibly or irreversibly) while the top side may remain open. Affixation of the sides may be achieved through conventional stitching or use of any other adhesive means such as glue or liquid stitch. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1-4, the front face (A) and rear face (B) may be comprised of a strip of fabric that is folded into three portions. As with other embodiments, the bottom portion may be folded roughly over the central portion with the side seams affixed together while a top side (E) remains open. The top portion of the fabric strip may serve as a cover flap (F) so it can fold over the top side and fastening means to add another layer of protection. See FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the fabric strip may be folded to create a U-shape, the sides may be affixed together (either reversibly or irreversibly) to create a hollow central body, and the cover flap may be attached or affixed to the rear face, for example, through conventional stitching or use of any other adhesive means such as glue or liquid stitch. In another embodiment of the current invention, the pouch (P) may comprise a front face, a rear face, and two side walls, a top, and a bottom creating a hollow central body.

According to embodiments of the current invention, the fastening means (C) may be affixed to the rear face-(in) (B). In the preferred embodiment, the fastening means comprises of a button (e.g. flat button or shank button) where the button is connected to the rear face-(in) (B) of the pouch (P). See FIG. 4. Accordingly, a compatible opening (D), such as a slit or slot, may be configured on the front face (A) through which the fastening means (e.g. the button) may slide. In any embodiment, any suitable fastener locking means may be used to fasten the fastening means to the front face-(in) (A) or the front face-(ex) (A). For example, a clasp, hook, or similar fastener locking means may be used to fasten or lock the fastening means to the front face-(in) (A). To use the pouch (P), the jewelry article, for example, a jewelry ring, may be positioned internally around the circumference of the button, and the button may then be placed in “sealed”, “locked”, or “secured” position by connecting with the fastener lock, for example, extending through the opening (D). See FIG. 2.

In accordance with another embodiment of the current invention, the pouch (P) may comprise a fastening means which is in the form of hook and eye fastener. In this embodiment, the hook may connect to the rear face-(in). However, the eye piece may be connected to the front face-(ex). To use the pouch (P), a user may place the jewelry article, for example, the ring, around the hook. The hook may then be extended through an opening and then fastened into the eye piece on the front face-(ex). The jewelry article, for example, the ring, may remain internally situated and enclosed between the two-piece fastening means.

In another embodiment of the current invention, the fastening means may be in the form of snap buttons. Similar to the hook and eye fasteners, the snap buttons may compromise two components that interact when a groove piece of a first component snaps in place when pressed into the circular lip of a second component. However, because snap buttons are designed so that a first component fits into a second component, the mechanisms of use may be slightly different. Specifically, with this type of fastener, the jewelry article, for example, the ring, may be positioned around the first component comprising of the groove piece. In contrast to using a button as a fastener where the circumference of the ring fits securely around the button, the ring will only be loosely positioned around the first component. However, this type of fastener does allow greater flexibility of use since it can accommodate multiple sizes of jewelry articles. Additionally, the use of this type of fastener may require different configurations than the previously disclosed embodiments. In one embodiment for the use of snap fastener, the second component may be positioned on the front face-(in), allowing for the both components to snap in the interior body of the pouch (P). In some embodiments, the second component may be located on the cover (F) so that the first component extends through an opening (D) and snaps into the second component.

In another embodiment of the current invention, the fastening means may be in the form of magnets. For example, a first magnet may be disposed atop or within the front face-(in) and a second magnet, configured to interact with the first magnet, may be disposed atop or within the rear face-(in).

According to some embodiments of the current invention, the apparatus may further comprise a cover (F) that guards the extended fastening means (C) on the front face-(ex) (A). In some embodiments, the cover may be an extension of the rear face (B) that folds over the front face (A). Optionally, the cover (F) may include its own cover fastening means. As an illustration, the cover may comprise of snap buttons on its interior face that fit into their corresponding piece situated on the front face-(ex) (A). See FIG. 2. Nonetheless, other fastening means that are able to reversibly open and close can be utilized such as (but not limited to) hook and loop fasteners (e.g. VELCRO®), buckles, safety pins, zippers, and hooks and eyes.

According to some embodiments of the current invention, the rear face-(ex) (B) may further comprise of an exterior fastening means. See FIG. 5. Such exterior fastening means is intended to fasten the apparatus to the user's clothing or other accessories (e.g. purse). In some embodiments, such fastening means may be a safety pin. However, other reversibly securing fastening means may also be employed such as (but not limited to) hook and loop fasteners (e.g. VELCRO®), buckles, safety pins, zippers, and hooks and eyes. In any embodiment, the exterior fastening means may be any similarly suitable fastening means for reversibly affixing the invention to a user's person or accessories. For example, the exterior fastening means may be a locking pin, brooch clasp, or a lobster claw clasp. In some examples, the exterior fastening means may be one or more magnets configured to reversibly attach the invention to suitable metal objects, for example, lockers.

Turning now to the illustrations, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the current invention comprising of a cover (F) that extends from the rear face over the front face (A). While the illustration shows the cover (F) only partially covering the front face (A), alternate embodiments include fully covering the front face (A).

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the current invention wherein the jewelry article (not shown) is secured internally within the pouch (P) using a flat button as a fastening means (C) that extends from the rear face onto the front face (A). In this embodiment, the side seams are irreversibly connected, for example, using conventional sewing techniques leaving an opening (E). A cover (F), extending from the rear face, comprises its own cover fastening means. In this embodiment, the cover (F) folds over the extended fastening means (C) and is reversibly secured into its own cover fastening means. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the cover (F) may comprise snap buttons (H) on its interior face that fit into their corresponding piece (I) situated on the front face-(ex) (A). Nonetheless, other fastening means that are able to reversibly open and close can be utilized such as (but not limited to) hook and loop fasteners (e.g. VELCRO®), buckles, safety pins, zippers, and hooks and eyes.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the current invention when the fastening means has not extended through the front face (A). An opening (D) suitable for a button fastening means is shown. The length of the opening may be selected based on the size of the compatible fastening means, for example, such that the opening (D) is compatible with the button fastening means. In the depicted example, the opening (D) is sufficiently large to allow for a button to extend through, but it is also sufficiently short to significantly impair the button from sliding back.

FIG. 4 illustrates the internal configuration of the embodiment of FIG. 3. In the depicted example, the jewelry ring is securely fit around the circumference of the fastening means (in this case, a flat button) (C). To use the apparatus, once the jewelry ring is secure, the fastening means (C) is extended through an opening so that the jewelry ring remains within the hollow of the pouch (P).

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the current invention. An optional exterior fastening means for reversibly affixing the invention to the user's person is also provided in the form of a safety pin (J). In the depicted example, the exterior fastening means is disposed on the rear face (B) of the pouch (P). In any embodiment, the exterior fastening means may be disposed on the front face (A), the rear face (B), or the cover (F) of the pouch (P).

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for the storage of jewelry articles may comprise a pouch implement comprising at least one interior space for receiving and securing jewelry items therein, an opening at a top portion of the pouch implement in communication with the at least one interior space, and a fastener implement disposed within the at least one interior space configured to secure jewelry articles to the at least one interior space of the pouch implement.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for the storage of jewelry articles may comprise a pouch implement comprising one or more interior side walls forming at least one interior space for receiving and securing jewelry items therein an opening at a top portion of the pouch implement communicating with the at least one interior space, a fastener implement disposed within the at least one interior space configured to pass through and secure jewelry articles having at least one hollow opening to the interior space of the pouch implement, and a lock implement adapted to reversibly secure the fastener implement.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for the storage of jewelry articles may comprise a pouch implement comprising one or more interior side walls forming at least one interior space for receiving and securing jewelry items therein, an opening at a top portion of the pouch implement communicating with the at least one interior space, a fastener implement extending from a first interior side wall of the at least one interior space and configured to pass through a hollow opening in one or more jewelry articles, and a fastener slot at a second interior side wall of the at least one interior space adapted to reversibly receive at least a portion of the fastener implement to secure the jewelry articles to the interior space of the pouch implement.

In some embodiments, a cover implement may extend from the pouch implement opening to reversibly close the opening.

In some embodiments, the fastener implement may be configured to extend from a first interior side wall to a second interior side wall of the at least one interior space. In some embodiments, the fastener implement may comprise a link element and a connector element. In some embodiments, the link element may have a first end connected to the first interior side wall of the at least one interior space and a second end connected to the connector element. In some examples, the connector element comprises a button.

In some embodiments, a fastener implement lock may be configured to receive and reversibly secure the fastener implement. In some examples, the fastener implement lock is an opening, slot or slit compatible with and adapted to receive the button of the fastener implement.

In some embodiments, the fastener implement may comprise a hook element and the lock implement may comprise an eye fastener element.

In some embodiments, the fastener implement may comprise a first snap closure component and the lock implement comprises a second snap closure configured to engage with the first snap closure component.

While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the inventor to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to specific sizes, details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or the scope of the inventor's general inventive concept. The scope of the invention itself should only be defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for the storage of jewelry articles comprising: a pouch implement comprising: at least one interior space for receiving and securing jewelry items therein; an opening at a top portion of the pouch implement in communication with the at least one interior space; and a fastener implement disposed within the at least one interior space configured to secure jewelry articles to the at least one interior space of the pouch implement.
 2. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry of claim 1, wherein a cover implement extends from the pouch implement opening to reversibly close the opening.
 3. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the fastener implement is configured to extend from a first interior side wall to a second interior side wall of the at least one interior space.
 4. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry of claim 3, a fastener implement lock is configured to receive and reversibly secure the fastener implement.
 5. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry of claim 4, wherein the fastener implement comprises a button.
 6. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry of claim 5, wherein the fastener implement lock is an opening or slit compatible with and adapted to receive the button of the fastener implement.
 7. An apparatus for the storage of jewelry articles comprising: a pouch implement comprising: one or more interior side walls forming at least one interior space for receiving and securing jewelry items therein; an opening at a top portion of the pouch implement communicating with the at least one interior space; a fastener implement disposed within the at least one interior space configured to pass through and secure jewelry articles having at least one hollow opening to the interior space of the pouch implement; and a lock implement adapted to engage with and reversibly secure the fastener implement.
 8. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry of claim 7, wherein the fastener implement comprises a hook element and the lock implement comprises an eye fastener element.
 9. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry of claim 7, wherein the fastener implement comprises a button element and the lock implement comprises a button slot.
 10. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry of claim 7, wherein the fastener implement comprises a first snap closure component and the lock implement comprises a second snap closure configured to engage with the first snap closure component.
 11. An apparatus for the storage of jewelry articles comprising: a pouch implement comprising: one or more interior side walls forming at least one interior space for receiving and securing jewelry items therein; an opening at a top portion of the pouch implement communicating with the at least one interior space; a fastener implement extending from a first interior side wall of the at least one interior space and configured to pass through a hollow opening in one or more jewelry articles; and a fastener slot at a second interior side wall of the at least one interior space adapted to reversibly receive at least a portion of the fastener implement to secure the one or more jewelry articles to the interior space of the pouch implement.
 12. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry articles of claim 11, wherein the fastener implement comprises a link element and a connector element.
 13. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry articles of claim 12, wherein the link element has a first end connected to the first interior side wall of the at least one interior space and a second end connected to the connector element.
 14. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry articles of claim 13, wherein the fastener slot is configured to reversibly receive and secure the connector element.
 15. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry articles of claim 14, wherein the connector element comprises a button.
 16. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry articles of claim 11, wherein an exterior surface of the pouch comprises an exterior securing means for fastening the pouch to an item of clothing.
 17. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry of claim 16, wherein a cover implement extends from the pouch implement opening to reversibly close the opening.
 18. The apparatus for the storage of jewelry of claim 17, wherein one or more snap closure components disposed on the exterior surface of the pouch are configured to engage with corresponding snap closure components disposed on the cover. 